Common Towing Questions Answered
We want to welcome all of our first-time trailer owners (and repeat buyers) to the world of towing. At Bigfoot Trailers, we take pride in handcrafting the widest, toughest, long-lasting haulers on the market. Whether hauling cars, farm equipment, lumber, or even a tiny home, you may have a few questions along the way. To help make your journeys with us safer and more enjoyable, please take a moment to review the answers to these common towing questions.
Trailer Specifications
What is my vehicle’s towing capacity, and is it enough for my trailer?
Knowing your trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is crucial to ensure safe towing and avoid straining your vehicle. Check your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for the exact figure. Remember, payload (weight in the bed) also affects towing capacity. It is illegal for loads to exceed your trailer’s GVWR.
How do I set up my hitch and trailer properly?
First, consult your vehicle’s manual – it’s your towing bible, dictating weight limits and hitch compatibility. Next, match your hitch receiver size to the trailer coupler, ensuring a snug fit. Secure the connection with a hitch pin and clip. Now, lower the trailer tongue and slide it onto the hitch ball, ensuring the coupler latches securely. Remember the mantra: “Tighten, check, re-tighten” for all connections. Now, the safety chains – cross them under the tongue and connect them to secure points on your vehicle’s frame. Finally, level the trailer by adjusting the tongue jack and ensure all lights and turn signals are functioning.
What additional safety gear or maintenance is recommended for towing?
It is essential to consider several items when towing a trailer, such as sway bars, flashlights, batteries, weight distribution hitches, a tongue weight scale, and trailer tire pressure monitors. In addition, it is crucial to perform regular maintenance for your vehicle and trailer. If you are driving in wintery conditions, you may need tire chains to drive on mountain roads. You should also carry a first aid kit as a safety precaution while towing.
Trailer Safety
How do I properly distribute weight in the trailer for safe towing?
Uneven weight distribution can lead to sway and instability of your load on the road. The rule of thumb is about 10% of the trailer’s weight on the tongue and evenly distribute cargo on the flatbed.
How do I handle trailer sway while driving?
Trailer sway can be scary and dangerous. It’s caused by an imbalance, like uneven weight distribution or high winds. But don’t panic! Stay calm, grip the wheel firmly, and ease off the gas pedal. Take it slow and steady. Please resist the urge to brake suddenly, which can worsen the sway. Instead, let your speed decrease naturally. If your trailer has automatic sway control, it will gently apply the brakes to slow the trailer, helping you bring it back in line.
What are the different towing and backing-up techniques for safe maneuvering?
Navigating turns, hills, and backing up while towing a trailer requires specific techniques and practice. Remember that each trailer may behave differently depending on size, weight, and construction. To avoid accidents, it is recommended to practice turning and backing up in an empty parking lot or a secluded area where no other vehicles are present. Consider joining a towing safety course or learning from experienced trailer owners to ensure safe and effective towing.
How do I check and adjust trailer brakes, lights, and mirrors?
It is vital to have the required safety equipment to comply with DOT regulations. Before embarking on a trip, always perform a pre-trip inspection. First, test the brakes with a helper pulling the trailer while you activate the manual override inside the vehicle. Bigfoot trailers come standard with self-adjusting brakes, but if anything needs to be corrected, seek advice from a service technician. Next, check all running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights to ensure they are working correctly. Finally, adjust your mirrors to eliminate blind spots and to get a clear view of the trailer and traffic around you.
Remember, towing safety is paramount. Feel free to consult your Bigfoot Trailer retailer, manuals, and online resources for further guidance and specific recommendations for your unique trailer and towing vehicle. Travel Safe!
Where to Buy Equipment Trailers Near Me
Bigfoot Trailers delivers! As a factory-direct manufacturer, we service the entire Eastern United States with locations in Boston, MA; Durham, JC; Jacksonville, FL; New York, NY; and by appointment with retailers in Fort Myers and Marianna, FL. Call toll-free (866) 764-8878 or contact us at https://www.bigfoottrailers.net/ for a free quote.
